Sport
13 August, 2025
Turning moves into missions
KILCOY’S Jayne McKenzie, is more than a local gym owner — she’s a powerhouse transforming lives across Somerset by fighting chronic illness through movement, connection, and sheer determination.
A 2022 Citizen of the Year, the 66-year-old is leading the charge for Million Moves, a free three-week physical activity challenge aimed at getting rural communities moving and healthier.
Million Moves activity challenge will be running September 1 to 21, offering rural residents free access to gyms, classes, fitness apps – and a $100k prize pool to boot.
It encourages locals to swap scrolling for squats by pledging to log 75 ‘moves’ a day for 21 days – the time it takes to kickstart new healthy habits – and is completely free to register, with individuals, schools, teams and workplaces getting involved.
Jayne is opening her Kilcoy Indoor Sports Centre and Toogoolawah Community Gym offering a free weekly pass for new members, including access to all ability classes, to those who need it most, focusing on inactive rural women.
Jayne’s message is simple: “You don’t need to be fit or fancy. You just need to start.”
After overcoming PTSD through exercise, Jayne not only trained top models but also represented Great Britain twice on the bodybuilding stage at Miss Universe.
Now, she’s harnessing that experience to help others.
“Fitness should be for everyone. No matter what your challenge is, you belong here,” Jayne said.
“Every day functional routines like gardening, getting out of bed, and walking around when the TV adverts are on can be counted in Million Moves.”
Jayne’s charity work focuses on more than just fitness; it’s about community and mental wellbeing.
“People know they can come here and find connection, no matter who they are or what they’re going through,” she explained.
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jayne refused to let isolation defeat her community spirit.
“Within days, I had taught myself Zoom, bought a microphone, and launched free online classes for anyone, anywhere—from Kilcoy locals to families hundreds of kilometers away,” she said.
Her efforts have set new standards for rural health initiatives, with her gym having been the first in Queensland to earn AUSactive’s rigorous accreditation, beating out major city chains.
“We’re not just a gym or a place to lift weights, but a place to lift spirits and a whole town,” she said.
As the Million Moves challenge approaches, Jayne encourages everyone to swap screen time for physical movement.
AUSactive CEO, Barrie Elvish, said Million Moves isn’t a campaign, but a movement.
“Australians are sick and tired of being sick and tired. We want to remind people that you don’t need a gym membership, fancy gear or a six-pack to get moving,” he said.
“Million Moves isn’t about perfection – it’s about participation. Whether it’s walking the dog, bellydancing in the kitchen, or busting out burpees at bootcamp, every move counts – and can literally save lives.”
Engagement will be further driven through friendly competition, online community platforms and community activations.
“If we can help people form healthier habits in just 21 days, imagine the knock-on effect for their families, communities and the healthcare system,” Mr Elvish said.
“This is about empowering Australians to take control of their own health – one move at a time.”
A key outcome will be a new research paper evaluating its effectiveness from Murdoch University, led by Brendan Scott, Associate Professor, Centre for Healthy Ageing, and Sport/Exercise Physiologist, Dr Paul Goods.
Registrations are open until August 31 at https://millionmoves.org.au/signup
